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Taken 20 March 2008 from Manchester, England (Ringway International Airport) - MAN to Stuttgart (Echterdingen) - STR

A one-way flight from Manchester to Stuttgart via Hamburg. Initial impressions weren't great as the flight was full and there didn't seem to be enough check-in desks to cope. It took nearly an hour before I finally got to the desk and got my boarding card. The staff, who I believe were Manchester Airport staff rather than Air Berlin, were disinterested but efficient.

The on-board service, however, was fantastic on both legs. Air Berlin still offer free drinks and snacks (filling and tasty sandwiches between Manchester and Hamburg and a choice of chocolate or crisps between Hamburg and Stuttgart) and these were promptly distributed by the crew with a smile.

As I mentioned the flights were full. I was one of the last to board at Manchester and there was no room in the overhead bins for my hand luggage and no under seat storage (I was seated in row 1). The friendly flight attendant not only took my luggage and stowed it for me, she also made the effort to retrieve it and hand it back to me once the aircraft had landed in Hamburg so that I could exit the aircraft promptly.

Connecting in Hamburg is very easy and we departed for Stuttgart on time and arrived early. Service was, again, very friendly, and didn't appear rushed despite a full plane and a short flight time.

Overall I was very impressed with Air Berlin and wouldn't hesitate to use them again.